Remember the Multi-Purpose Vehicle or MPV? Whenever I hear the term, the first vehicle that pops into my mind is the original and gawky-looking Fiat Multipla. Thankfully, there have always been plenty of alternatives to the Multipla, but in recent years the segment has been in danger of being sidelined, almost forgotten, thanks to the burgeoning SUV market.
A car-like ride quality, coupled with luxury and added practicality were the original draw card of the MPV, but buyers have been swayed by the added appeal of SUVs, with their equally spacious interiors, extra ground clearance, larger wheels and the option of all-wheel drive. Toyota say the MPV still appeals to those who shy away from the ‘bulk’ of an SUV and prefer the more down-to-earth and car-like ride quality, hence the re-designed 2013 Toyota Verso MPV.
The 2013 Verso is built on the foundations of the existing generation vehicle, but with the specific focus of improving interior quality, overall refinement and introducing fresh styling.
The Verso has been given a new face, which is in-line with the rest of Toyota’s recently launched models – Yaris, Auris, RAV4 and the upcoming Corolla.
At the front, details include the large, trapezoidal, lower grille with a smaller upper grille linking the new and sharper looking headlamps. The headlights themselves incorporate new Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and come with High Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps (TX specification). The Toyota badge has also been given more prominence and is set lower than before, while chrome trim strips on the range-topping TX model serve to accentuate the Verso’s width.
The Verso’s profile remains familiar, with a character line that flows from the front bumper, through the lower edge of the doors, before sweeping upwards through the C-pillar to meet the roof-mounted spoiler. Subtle changes to the rear of the vehicle include: a revised bumper design that incorporates a small diffuser; a change in colour to the centre and outer lenses of tail-lights; as well as the addition of a rear license plate garnish.
Toyota’s efforts to improve the Verso’s refinement have resulted in enhanced aerodynamics for reduced wind noise, fuel efficiency and driving dynamics. The side mirrors are slightly smaller and offer a 10 percent improvement in air flow around the vehicle. In addition, a smooth under floor, with engine, fuel tank and rear floor covers, serve to streamline air flow, which Toyota say results in “a flatter straight-line ride, more controlled yaw response and better rear stability”.
Additional sound deadening material has been added between the engine compartment and the dashboard, while the same attention has been given to reducing noise around the A-pillar and all door seals. Overall interior noise levels have been reduced by almost 10 percent, dropping from 0.83 dB to 0.76 dB.
The Verso’s interior has also been given a makeover, with new, deep orange, ambient lighting that illuminates the air conditioning dials and display, as well as all switchgear. The driver’s instrument dials are back-lit in white, which makes for improved legibility.
The Verso’s seven seats have been redesigned with a more durable fabric and improved lateral support. In combination with soft touch material that’s been applied to the upper glove box, as well as softer leather covering for the door trim, armrest and steering wheel, the Verso offers a much improved interior feel. Premium touches include satin chrome trim highlights on the driver’s instrument surrounds, air vents, instrument panel, gear shift bezel and door handle grips.
There is no guessing where Toyota’s inspiration came from when naming the Verso and, unsurprisingly, the versatility continues with the ‘Toyota Easy Flat-7’ seating system, which offers 32 different seating configurations. The Verso features individual seats in the 2nd and 3rd rows, with the former offering 195 mm of sliding adjustment. With all seats in their upright positions, the luggage volume measures 155-litres and is expandable to 440-litres with seats folded flat.
More storage capacity is available beneath the floor of the boot area, where valuables can kept out of sight and the luggage cover can be stored when not in use. Cup holders, storage bins, second row underfloor storage, as well as aviation-style tray tables for the rear seats and an overhead storage area in the SX and TX specification models, ensure the Verso is unlikely to be short on space.
Around the Western Cape’s highways and byways, the Verso proved comfortable and relatively quiet as per Toyota’s claims. A steady South Easter made its presence felt on occasion, but the Verso needed no more coaxing to keep it within a single lane and interior noise levels were no louder than expected.
As a family-oriented vehicles, the Verso has a forgiving ride. This means road imperfections and undulations are dealt with in comfort, thanks to Toyota’s re-working of the MPV’s damping and spring rates. In addition, Toyota has improved the Verso’s body rigidity with additional welding points, as well as revised the electrically-assisted power steering, both of which equate to a sense of predictability in the way the vehicle handles.
Apart from space, a key consideration when choosing a vehicle to pack your family into is safety. In this department the new Toyota Verso scores a maximum 5-star rating from the experts at Euro NCAP. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is now standard across the range, as are driver, front passenger, knee and side airbags, with curtain airbags included on higher spec models.
The Verso is available in S, SX and TX specifications, with standard equipment ranging from front fog lamps and electrically adjustable door mirrors, through to ‘Smart Entry’ with push start, dual zone automatic air-conditioning, reversing camera and the previously mentioned HID headlamps.
Three engine choices are available. Two petrol engines, a 1.6- and a 1.8-litre petrol, or a proven 2.0-litre D-4D diesel unit. All engines are mated to a 6-speed manual as standard, while the 1.8-litre can be paired with a ‘Multidrive S CVT’.
Power and performance from the 1.6-litre engine is 97 kW and torque of 160 Nm, with 0 – 100 km/h acceleration done in 11.7 seconds and average fuel consumption of 6.8 l/100km. The larger 1.8-litre unit offers 108 kW and 180 Nm of torque, with acceleration of 0 – 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds (CVT is 11.1 seconds) and 7.0 l/100km (CVT is 7.1 l/100km).
Although performance from the 1.8-litre engine and easily worked 6-speed manual is adequate, torque is noticeably absent below the 2 500 r/min mark, making revs critical to any meaningful progress.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine produces 91 kW and 310 Nm of torque, with a 0 – 100 km/h sprint of 10.1 seconds and average fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100km. In contrast to the high-revving, naturally aspirated, petrol engine, the turbo-diesel pulls strongly from as low as 1 500 r/min, making it ideal for duty in the urban jungle.
Considering that Toyota has managed to improve the Verso’s refinement, styling , comfort and convenience, with little effect to the list price, the Verso now states a stronger value-for-money case when compared with popular rivals like the Volkswagen Touran.
| Prices (incl. VAT & CO2 tax) | |
| Toyota Verso 1.6 S M/T | R261 900 |
| Toyota Verso 1.6 SX M/T | R284 300 |
| Toyota Verso 1.8 TX M/T | R314 200 |
| Toyota Verso 1.8 TX CVT | R326 100 |
| Toyota Verso 2.0D TX M/T | R329 900 |
Prices include a 3-year/100 000 km warranty, 5-year/90 000 km service plan and 24-hour roadside assistance.
